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Unitary Evolution

The time-evolution of the quantum state, as given in Schrodinger's equation, is also called unitary evolution. At the quantum scale, the state of a system is a superposition of probable states weighted by complex numbers that remain constant in time. A superposition of states always evolves in the same way as each of the two states would evolve individually. A superpositional state - with w and z as complex numbers - can be notated as:

w x (alternative A) + z x (alternative B)

If the system remained on the quantum level - were not measured in classical reality where only a single state can be 'real' - both states could be considered equally 'real' - their evolution in time on the quantum level is unitary (as one).

Web Resources On Unitary Evolution

Time evolution (Wikipedia)
Time evolution in quantum mechanics
State Reduction and Unitary Evolution

Book Resources On Unitary Evolution

Schrodinger's Kittens and the Search for Reality: Solving the Quantum Mysteries by John Gribbin
Principles of Linear Systems by Philip E. Sarachik
Principles of Quantum Computation and Information - Vol. I: Basic Concepts by Guiliano Benenti, Guilio Casati, Guiliano Strini

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